A mental health volunteer is interviewing locals as part of a community outreach program. A 46-year-old man discloses that he has felt sad for as long as he can remember. He feels as though his life is cursed and if something terrible can happen to him, it usually will. He has difficulty making decisions and feels hopeless. He also feels that he has had worsening suicidal ideations, guilt from past problems, decreased energy, and poor concentration over the past 2 weeks. He is otherwise getting enough sleep and able to hold a job. Which of the following statement best describes this patient's condition?
AThe patient may have symptoms of mania or psychosis.
BThe patient is likely to show anhedonia.
CThe patient likely has paranoid personality disorder.
DThe patient has double depression.
EThe patient should be started on an SSRI.
A 28-year-old woman is brought into the clinic by her husband with concerns that she might be depressed. She delivered a healthy newborn a week and a half ago without any complications. Since then, she has been having trouble sleeping, eating poorly, and has stopped playing with the baby. The patient says she feels like she is drained all the time and feels guilty for not doing more for the baby. Which of the following is the best course of treatment for this patient?
AReassurance
BFluoxetine
CRisperidone
DAmitriptyline
ENo treatment
A 24-year-old woman comes to the physician because she feels sad and has had frequent, brief episodes of crying for the last month. During this period, she sleeps in every morning and spends most of her time in bed playing video games or reading. She has not been spending time with friends but still attends a weekly book club and continues to plan her annual family reunion. She stopped going to the gym, eats more, and has gained 4 kg (8.8 lb) over the past 4 weeks. Three weeks ago, she also started to smoke marijuana a few times a week. She drinks one glass of wine daily and does not smoke cigarettes. She is currently unemployed; she lost her job as a physical therapist 3 months ago. Her vital signs are within normal limits. On mental status examination, she is calm, alert, and oriented to person, place, and time. Her mood is depressed; her speech is organized, logical, and coherent. She denies suicidal thoughts. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
ABipolar disorder
BSubstance use disorder
CMajor depressive disorder
DAdjustment disorder
EPersistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
+ 7 more in the PDF
Browse all chapters